Nov 4, 2009 6:18 pm US/Central
3 Shot Trying To Stop Invaders In Building
Cook County Medical Examiner's Investigator Among The Victims
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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Three men, among them a Cook County Medical Examiner's investigator, were shot and critically wounded as they tried to detain two suspicious people in a building on this South Shore neighborhood block.
CBS
The search is on for two armed men who shot and critically wounded three people who were trying to detain them in an apartment building in the South Shore neighborhood.
CBS 2's Vince Gerasole reports on the neighborhood that some say is getting more and more dangerous.
South Shore is a neighborhood riddled with crime, that's well-documented. But there are people there who call it home and want to defend it from the thugs who too often take over.
On Tuesday night, three of them struggled to hold down armed intruders until police could arrive. Now they are recovering from gunshot wounds as the men who broke into their building remain on the loose.
South Shore's tree-lined streets stand in contrast to the violence that routinely rocks this neighborhood; violence that surfaced again Tuesday night as three men were shot at the entrance of their apartment building.
The victims had found two suspicious loiterers trespassing inside their building at 6916 S. Oglesby Ave. Chicago Police say they almost had the suspects, but then suddenly things took a turn and gunfire erupted.
Now, police are interviewing people who live in the normally quiet building, searching for answers that could lead them to suspects in last night's triple shooting.
The incident happened shortly after midnight. One of the victims, an investigator with the Cook County Medical Examiner's office, came to find two strange men in the lobby who claimed to be looking for drugs.
Police say two other residents, men ages 35 and 56, heard the commotion and came downstairs to help.
When the residents noticed one of the trespassers had a gun, a struggle ensued. The residents temporarily detained both suspects until one of them broke free, pulled out another gun and shot all three of the victims.
A witness said during the struggle, one of the victims managed to get one of the assailant's guns and tried to use it in self defense, but the gun would not fire. He claimed the two suspects were at the building "looking to cause trouble."
The Medical Examiner's office identified the investigator as Anthony King, 40, who lives with his mother across the street from where the incident occurred.
According to family and neighbors Anthony King has worked at the ME's office for five years. He was shot in the abdomen and was being treated at Stroger Hospital.
The other shooting victims were identified as 56-year-old Larry Williams, a retired police officer, and 35-year-old Dorian Moore, a father of two.
Williams was shot in the hip and stomach, and was being treated at Mount Sinai Medical Center.
Moore suffered wounds to his mouth and shoulder, and was being treated at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
Neighbors whom CBS 2's Susan Carlson met were surprised to hear about what happened.
"It's kind of devastating," said neighbor Robert Miller. "We usually don't have that much action over here."
"I really do think it's a shame that there are so many disgusting things going on in our neighborhood when we got a lot of kids to think about," said another neighbor who wants to be identified only as Alex.
Other neighborhood residents told CBS 2's Vince Gerasole that more people need to speak up about violence in the community.
"I am saddened and I am disgusted," said Roxanne Johnson, King's friend. "He spoke up which is what more people need to do in their community instead of being scared, question what's going on in your community."
"I am so tired of this foolishness, I don't know what to do," said neighbor Yvonne Dixon.
She says the violence here keeps her in her car, never on the streets. She's among those who, though frightened, want to take the neighborhood back from gangs and thugs. Just like those injured last night.
Commenting on how the trio tried to take action and were hurt, Dixon says, "Now that sends a message to other people, just leave it alone, but that's why it's at the point it is. Everyone is afraid and intimidated."
"There's no such thing as 'it's too risky to do the right thing', because until someone does the right thing people will continue to do the wrong thing," said Johnson.
Police said both suspects escaped with their guns. There has been no sign of either of them.
King's mother, Leola King, does not wish to give interviews at this time but she did issue a brief statement:
"He is a hero to me and I just want him to get better and come home. I am so glad he is here (Stroger Trauma Unit). The doctor (Andrew Dennis) has been wonderful. After speaking with (the doctor) we are all optimistic," she said.
King and Moore continue to be listed in critical condition. Williams is in fair condition.
Detectives say the burglars took off with both of their weapons. They are waiting to complete their questioning of the victims, but for now there is no description of the suspects.
CBS 2's Susan Carlson, CBS 2's Vince Gerasole and the Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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